Mobile safety compliance apparatus

ABSTRACT

A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising a shell with a plurality of open compartments closed by doors, a self-contained water supply system and a waste water collection system. The water supply system provides drinking water, tepid hand washing water, and water for a stowable eyewash hingedly attached to the shell. The waste water collection system collects water from the eyewash and a sink mounted in a recessed area of the shell. Doors are removable and have features to facilitate alternative uses such as a stretcher or a freestanding table. A stowable seat and table are hingedly attached to the shell. The apparatus includes an electrical system with battery backup for powering lights, water heating and refrigeration devices, and electronic communication equipment that may be mounted on the shell. The apparatus includes wheels to facilitate its movement and anchor points to secure it to the ground.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e), ofU.S. provisional applications Serial No. 60/210,267, filed Jun. 8, 2000and Serial No. 60/268,597, filed Feb. 13, 2001, pending.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates, generally, to safety equipment,and, more particularly to a portable health and safety complianceapparatus having compartments for storage, waste disposal, and a watersystem for cleaning and washing. The apparatus permits an individual orcompany to easily comply with health and safety regulations.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] The introduction of OSHA and other health and safety regulationshave imposed a substantial cost on industry to provide health equipmentand supplies at the job site. Existing ways of providing health andsafety devices have a number of disadvantages. Compliance is oftenachieved by purchasing required health and safety equipment piece bypiece and assembling and aggregating it all at the job site, often in anunorganized way. There are often problems of finding suitable storagecontainers and a method organizing the equipment and supplies. Properstorage for sterile medical supplies may not be available. Medical andsafety equipment must be organized so it can be accessed quickly;equipment stored randomly defeats this objective. Furthermore, movingthe equipment and supplies from one job site to another can disrupt anyeffort to organize them and is expensive and inconvenient.

[0006] Health equipment and safety equipment are distinct, yet havecomplementary functions. Health equipment includes hand and eye washfacilities and a well-stocked first-aid kit for treating injuries.Safety equipment usually includes warning lights and bells, sensors, andequipment such as safety glasses and respirators. Also, it is oftendesired to display printed safety information such as posters, warnings,directives, procedures and the like at a job site where there is oftenno suitable surface for such display.

[0007] Safety compliance is very expensive, and providing an integrated,compact, portable and aesthetically pleasing apparatus can substantiallyreduce costs of compliance. It is desirable to have a single portableapparatus that houses all the required safety and health equipment for aparticular job in an organized fashion and protects it from adverseweather.

[0008] There are several portable carts designed for various specificpurposes. U.S. Pat. No. 2,905,480 to Giovannelli discloses a carry-allcart with a drinking water supply and multiple compartments closed bydoors, but this apparatus is rather small with an opening top and doesnot appear to have any provisions for making it weather tight.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,333,885 to Pullman discloses a portable partdesigned for fishermen with various apparatus to hold fishing equipment.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,61 2 to Buccioni discloses a portable cartwith internal baskets on roller glides, and is specifically designed toaccommodate hockey equipment to.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,220 to Cortez discloses a portable recyclingand work center which has receptacles for disposing of items and hasapparatus for holding cleaning equipment and a first-aid kit and fireextinguisher.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,790,610 to Welch et al. discloses a portablemedical emergency crash cart which has a plurality of compartments witha transparent cover to allow visual identification of materials in thecompartments. It also has a portion for disposables and a portion forattaching an oxygen tank.

[0013] While each of these carts are well-suited for their intendedpurposes, none of them are particularly well suited for supplying healthand safety equipment to a job site. None is designed to be storedoutdoors, and none include a sink for washing or any provisions tocollect any waste water.

[0014] U.S. patent Des. 391,343 discloses a portable sink and foot pumpintegral with apparatus for dispensing soap, paper towels, and adisposal area.

[0015] Storage apparatuses designed for outdoor use are not designed tobe readily moved and typically do not have wheels.

[0016] The present invention provides a mobile safety complianceapparatus which overcomes the limitations and shortcomings of the priorart.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0017] The present invention provides a mobile safety complianceapparatus comprising a shell having a base, a top, a plurality ofsubstantially vertical walls between the base and the top, and aplurality of substantially horizontal walls connected to the verticalwalls to form a plurality of open compartments. A plurality of doors arehingedly attached to the shell, and the doors are arranged to close thecompartments when closed and to provide access to the compartments whenopen. The apparatus has a water supply system including at least onewater supply tank removably stored in one of the compartments, andapparatus connected to the water supply tank to dispense water containedtherein. The apparatus also has a waste water collection systemincluding at least one waste water collection tank stored in one of thecompartments, and tubing connected to the water collection tank toconvey waste water to it. The shell is preferably made of plasticmaterial with the vertical and horizontal walls integrally molded as asingle apparatus. The compartments may have removable dividers, anddoors may have window portions.

[0018] Wheels are provided at the base of the apparatus to facilitateits movement, and flanges are also provided at the base to allow theapparatus to be secured to the ground. The apparatus has a liftingprovision at its top which is connected to a rod extending through theapparatus to a support member below the base so that the lifting load istransmitted to the base of the apparatus rather than through the top.

[0019] A portion of the outer surface of the apparatus can be used todisplay printed information and is covered with a removable transparentsheet. A stowable table and a stowable seat are also hingedly attachedto the outside of the shell.

[0020] Doors may be removable for other uses. In one embodiment aplurality of handles are attached to a door and positioned such that thedoor can be used as a stretcher to carry a sick or injured person. Inanother embodiment the door includes a movable portion that is deployedto increase its area, and a plurality of removable support legs areattached to the door when it is removed, thereby supporting the door ina generally horizontal position for use as a freestanding table.

[0021] The apparatus has an eyewash attached to the shell. The eyewashreceives water from the water supply system, dispenses the water, andcollects the water dispensed and directs it to the waste watercollection system. The eyewash is pivotable between a stowed positionagainst the shell and a deployed position extending outward from shell.The eyewash is preferably positioned lower than its source of water sothat water flows to the eyewash by force of gravity.

[0022] The apparatus has a recessed area that includes a sink thatcollects waste water and directs it to the waste water collectionsystem. A soap dispenser, a cup dispenser, an eyeglass cleanerdispenser, and a tissue dispenser are preferably all attached to theshell in the recessed area. The apparatus preferably has a water heatingdevice for warming water for hand washing. Drinking water is alsoprovided, and optionally may be chilled.

[0023] The apparatus includes an electrical system with a power supplyand a backup storage battery which powers lights, the water heating andrefrigeration systems if they are provided, and electroniccommunications equipment that may be mounted on the shell.

[0024] The apparatus provides the ability to comply with requirementsimposed by both health and safety standards for various industrialapplications, as well as provides ready access to all the equipment andsupplies needed for specific tasks, in a compact mobile unit.

[0025] The features, benefits and objects of this invention will becomeclear to those skilled in the art by reference to the followingdescription, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mobilesafety compliance apparatus of the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the mobile safety complianceapparatus of FIG. 1 from the direction opposite that of FIG. 1.

[0028]FIG. 3 is the view of FIG. 2 shown with doors open to revealinternal compartments and also illustrating some of the items that canbe stored in the compartments.

[0029]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the portion of the apparatustaken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

[0030]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suspension rod and structuralchannel that attach to the apparatus to facilitate lifting the apparatusfrom above.

[0031]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2.

[0032]FIG. 7 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 2 with a door hingeshown exploded and illustrating how the apparatus can be fastened to theground.

[0033]FIG. 8 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 2 illustrating aseat.

[0034]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a door from the apparatus of FIG.2 that can be used as a stretcher.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a door from the apparatus of FIG.2 that can be used as a table.

[0036]FIG. 11 is the view of FIG. 10 showing the insert in the doorunfolded and legs attached to make the table.

[0037]FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view taken along line 12-12 of FIG.11.

[0038]FIG. 13 is a detail view of a portion of the apparatus shown inFIG. 2 illustrating a stowable eye wash attached to the apparatus andits associated water system.

[0039]FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 fromanother angle between that of FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the sink area.

[0040]FIG. 15 is a detail view of a portion of FIG. 14 illustrating handwashing and drinking water systems.

[0041]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sink installed in theapparatus.

[0042]FIG. 17 is a side view of the sink of FIG. 16.

[0043]FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a water heater device installedin the apparatus showing the inlet an outlet water lines and a bypassvalve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 7-3, an example of the preferred embodiment ofthe present invention is illustrated and generally indicated by thereference numeral 20. The present invention is directed to a mobilesafety compliance apparatus 20 containing equipment and suppliesnecessary to comply with health and safety standards in one portableunit. The apparatus has a self-contained water supply system and a wastewater collection system. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatusincludes an eye wash station, a sink with tepid water for hand washing,potable drinking water and lighting. The apparatus 20 is an elongatedcubic structure approximately six feet high by approximately two feetwide and two feet deep with an assortment of compartments and structuresthat contain and support the many elements installed in the apparatus20. The equipment and items contained in the apparatus 20 can beselected to meet specific requirements of the user.

[0045] The core of the apparatus 20 is a shell 22 having four sides 24,26, 28 and 30, a generally closed top 32, and base 34. Shell 22 ispreferably made of plastic and is preferably molded in one piece withwall thicknesses of preferably approximately ¼ inch, preferably using arotomolding process. Referring also to FIG. 4, shell 22 has a pluralityof internal substantially vertical walls 36 a-d connected to a pluralityof substantially horizontal walls 38 a-g. The combination of verticalwalls 36 and horizontal walls 38 make a plurality of open compartments94 used to hold various things as will be described below. Walls 36 and38 can be configured in any suitable arrangement to create the desiredconfiguration of compartments. The top and base, being generally closedstructures, along with integrally molded walls 36 and 38 providestructural strength and stiffness to shell 22.

[0046] Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6, a lifting provision ispreferably supplied at the top 32 of shell 22. The lifting provisionpreferably includes a suspension rod 40 extending through the top 32 andthe base 34, a support member 46 disposed underneath the base 34 andengaging the rod 40, and an eyelet 42 engaging the rod at the top suchthat when the apparatus 20 is lifted by eyelet 42, weight of theapparatus 20 is supported by support member 46. Preferably internalvertical walls 36 allow for passage of suspension rod 40 between themand through the top 32 and base 34 of shell 22. Suspension rod 40 ispreferably a threaded rod, and eyelet 42 engages its top end thatextends beyond top 32 to provide the lifting provision for theapparatus. The lower end 44 of suspension rod 40 passes through base 34and support member 46 which is secured against base 34 by tightening nut48 on end 44 of suspension rod 40. Support member 46 is preferably aportion of metal structural channel, preferably aluminum, arranged sothat the legs of the channel contact base 34. Eyelet 42 can be engagedby a hook on a cable attached to a crane helicopter or other suspensiondevice to allow apparatus 20 to be safely lifted and transported to thedesired location. The lifting load is transmitted through suspension rod40 to the base 34 so that the weight of apparatus 20 is supported bysupport member 46 which is approximately aligned with a substantialnumber of vertical walls 36. By using spreader bars on the liftingdevice, a plurality of apparatuses 20 can be ganged together and liftedsimultaneously.

[0047] Apparatus 20 has a pair of wheels 52 located at side 28 alongbase 34 and a handle 54 located along side 28 at top 32. To moveapparatus 20, it may be tipped on wheels 52 by pulling handle 54, andthe apparatus rolled such as like a wheelbarrow. At least one, andpreferably a pair, of ground-engaging flanges 56 are located at side 24along base 34. These flanges 56 act as anchor points and have apertures58 which allow for securing flanges 56 to the ground or floor withdevices such as bolts, stakes, or other tie-downs as illustrated in FIG.7. The bottom of flanges 56 and bottom of wheels 52 generally contact aplanar ground surface when the apparatus is standing vertically upright.To move apparatus 20 along a flat surface without tipping it, casters 50may be disposed below base 34, and are preferably mounted on supportmember 46 in a spaced arrangement. Base 34 has a curved lower surface 60which allows for positioning of support member 46 along lower surface 60such that the casters are approximately centered under the shell and thebottom of casters 50 will contact the ground surface and slightly raiseflanges 52 off the ground. Wheels 52 and flanges 56 are slightlyelevated above the ground when the apparatus 20 is balanced on thecasters 50, thereby facilitating moving the apparatus along the groundon the casters, the wheels 52 and flanges 56 occasionally bumping theground as apparatus 20 is moved.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 7, side 24 is substantially flat and hasan upper portion 62 the outer surface of which is preferably used todisplay printed material 64. A transparent sheet 66 is removablyinstalled over portion 62 and provides a weather resistant cover formaterial 64 displayed on portion 62.

[0049] The lower portion of side 24 may also be used to displayinformation, but preferably it has a substantially flat table portion 68pivotally attached to side 24 at hinge 70. Table portion 68 has a stowedposition where it is secured against side 24. It also has a deployedposition, illustrated by the phantom lines, whereat it is pivoted upaway from side 24 and support members 72 are installed preferablybetween it and the bottom of side 24 so that table portion 68 issupported in a substantially horizontal position. Support members 72 maybe separate elements, as illustrated, that are stowed under tableportion 68, or in one of the internal compartments in apparatus 20.Alternatively, support members 72 may be one or more triangular shapedelements hingedly attached to side 24, similar to that shown in FIG. 8.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, side 28 has a seat 90 hingedlyattached to it similar to table portion 68, but mounted lower on shell22 to be at the proper height for sitting. Seat 90 may be approximatelythe full width of side 28 as illustrated in FIG. 2, or it may be only apartial width, such as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 8. Seat 90 has astowed position as shown in FIG. 1, and a deployed position as shown inFIG. 8. In the deployed position, seat 90 is supported by support member92, which preferably is a triangular shaped element hingedly attached tothe side 28. For the full width seat 90, two support elements 92 wouldpreferably be used.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1-3 and 7, apparatus 20 has a plurality offull-length doors 68, 70, and 72 hingedly attached at corners of shell22. The doors are arranged to close the compartments 94 when closed, andto provide access to a plurality of compartments when open. Shell 22 haslugs 74 at corners which cooperate with lugs 76 on the doors to form thehinges. Hinge pins 80 pass through apertures in lugs 74 and 76 to attachthe doors to the shell 22. Hinge pins 80 are readily removable so thatthe doors can quickly and easily be removed.

[0052] Doors 68, 70 and 72 can have additional functions besides that ofa door. Door 68 as illustrated has a window portion 76 which allows auser to quickly ascertain what is behind a door. This is very usefulwhen apparatus 20 is to be used in a medical trauma situation and avariety of medical supplies are stored in compartments behind the door.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 9-12, when doors 70 and 72 areremoved from shell 22 they have alternative uses, such as a stretcherand a table respectively. The doors are made of molded plastic and havea recessed portion which receives an insert, such as plywood, thatprovides additional function. Door 70, as shown in FIG. 9, functions asa stretcher. A stiffening insert 78, such as plywood, is fastened todoor 70, and has handles 81, such as the four rope handles illustrated,to facilitate the door 70 being picked up by personnel to transport asick or injured person. Door 70 with insert 78 is sufficiently stiff andstrong to support a person on it. Alternatively, door 70 maybe formed sothat it has sufficient stiffness as molded without needing a stiffeninginsert.

[0054] Door 72, as illustrated has provisions for connecting supportlegs to it so that it may be used as a freestanding table when it isremoved from shell 22. Door 72 preferably has a movable portion thatthat is deployed, preferably by pivoting or extending, to increase itsarea. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, door 72 preferably has a plywood insert82 having a first portion 82 a fastened to door 72 and a second portion82 b hingedly connected to first portion 82 a, such as by individualhinges 84, or by a single long hinge. Slats 86 are stored in a cavitybetween first portion 82 a and door 72. When portion 82 b is opened,slats 86 are pulled partially out to support it as illustrated in FIGS.11 and 12. Legs 88 are installed in apertures 90 partially throughportions 82 a and 82 b to support the table in a generally horizontalposition. Six legs may be used as illustrated, or the table may onlyhave four legs, with one at each corner.

[0055] Referring again to FIG. 3, side 30 provides open access to aplurality of internal compartments with doors 70 and 72 closing in frontof the compartments. Some typical arrangement and uses of compartmentswill be described in connection with the preferred embodimentillustrated, but compartments can be configured and used in many otherways.

[0056] Lower compartment 94 a preferably holds water supply tank 96,wastewater storage tank 98, and eyewash wastewater tank 100. Lowercompartment 94 b adjacent compartment 94 a would typically contain largeheavy objects and is sufficiently large to hold two fire extinguishers102 or oxygen bottles. Middle compartments 94 c and 94 d are designedfor medium size and weight objects such as a portable first-aid kit 104,a portable defibrillator, blankets, or other bulky items, or for holdingbooks, manuals or other important information such as material safetydata sheets. A permanent first-aid kit 106 is mounted in uppercompartment 94 e, above which eyewash water supply tank 108 is stored inupper compartment 94 f behind removable restraint 110. Upper compartment92 g may be divided into a plurality of smaller subcompartmentsseparated by dividers 111. The subcompartments may be used for storingsmall lightweight items such as safety glasses, dust masks, earplugs,respirators and the like. The subcompartments may simply be opencompartments as illustrated or they may include drawers or baskets tocontain the objects.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 13, apparatus 20 preferably includes astowable eyewash 112 pivotally attached to side 28 by bracket 114.Eyewash 112 has a stowed position, illustrated in FIG. 2, where it ispivoted up against side 28, and a deployed position extending outwardfrom side 28 as shown in FIG. 13. It may be held in the stowed positionby friction of pivot members cooperating with bracket 114, or by acatch, such as hook and loop fasteners, a snap, or latch. Water for theeyewash 112 is supplied by eyewash water supply tank 108 located aboveeyewash 112 through flexible supply tubing 116 and valve 118. With watersupply tank 108 located approximately two feet higher than eyewash 112,gravity supplies sufficient water flow to operate eyewash 112. Flexiblesupply tubing 116 passes inside of eyewash 112 and connects to nozzleportion 120 which has apertures in depressed portions 122 through whichwater flows to wash eyes of a user. Eyewash 112 has a basin 124 whichcollects the used water and directs it through flexible drain tubing 126to the eyewash wastewater tank 100. Eyewash water supply tank 108 mayhave a heating element 165, preferably electrical, installed in it towarm the water making it more comfortable to use.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the approximate upper half cornerof shell 22 at the juncture of sides 26 and 28 has a first recessed areato accommodate a sink 128. The recessed area is bounded by wall 130 thatextends inward from side 26, wall 132 that extends inward from side 28to form a corner near the center of shell 22, ledge 134 at the bottomand ceiling 136 at the top. Walls 130 and 132 provide a mounting servicefor items such as soap dispenser 138, cup dispenser 140 and lens cleanerdispenser 142. Other items, such as napkin or tissue dispenser 144, maybe mounted in ceiling 136. A drinking water spigot 146 is alsopreferably mounted on wall 130. A drinking water supply tank 148 isstored in upper compartment 94 h adjacent wall 130 and higher thanspigot 146 to allow for easy gravity feed of drinking water to spigot146 through flexible drinking water tubing 150. A quick connect fitting152 is preferably installed on tubing 150 near drinking water supplytank 148 to allow the supply tank 148 to be easily disconnected andremoved for re-filling and also prevents water from leaking out oftubing 150 when the tank is disconnected. An optional refrigeration unit154 may be included and connected to tubing 150 to chill drinking waterbefore it exits spigot 146.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 15, sink 128 is mounted in ledge 134 along withwash water dispensing tube 156. Sink 128 is preferably a separate basin,as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17, installed in a cut-out in ledge 134.A lip 158 on sink 128 rests on ledge 134 and is secured to it byfasteners. Alternatively sink 128 may be integrally molded with ledge134. Flexible drain tubing 160 is connected between a drain port 162 onsink 128 and wastewater storage tank 98.

[0060] Water for hand washing is supplied to water dispensing tube 156from water supply tank 96. Since water supply tank 96 is belowdispensing tube 156, a pump, such as foot pump 162 mounted in base 34,is used to pump the water through flexible water supply tubing 164.Water for hand washing is preferably warmed preferably by an electricalheating element 165 installed in water supply tank 96. Alternatively, awater heating device 166 may be connected to water supply tubing 164between pump 162 and dispensing tube 156 so that water exiting tube 156is warm. The heating device 166 receives water from the water supplysystem, heats it to produce heated water at a first temperature, thenmixes it with unheated water from the water supply system to provideheated water at a second temperature lower than the first temperature.Referring also to FIG. 18, water heating device 166 may be aconventional under-sink water heater with an adjustable bypass valve168, such as a needle valve, connected between cold water input line 170and hot water output line 172. The amount of cold water flowing throughbypass valve 168 instead of through water heater 166 is adjusted withvalve 168 to set the temperature of water flowing through output line172 to dispensing tube 156. The in-tank heat element is a simple way toheat water, but it requires heating the entire tank of water. Waterheating device 166 heats a much smaller portion of water and may be moreenergy-efficient, though more complicated.

[0061] The shell 22 has a second recessed portion 174 at the lowerportion of side 26 below sink 128 which preferably holds a wastecollection container 176. A removable panel 178 partially coversrecessed 174 to retain the waste collection container 176.

[0062] Referring again to FIG. 14, additional compartments 94 i and 94 jare located in side 26 left of sink 128 and are closed, along withcompartment 94 h, by door 68. Compartment 94 h, which holds the drinkingwater supply tank 148, may have another closure panel 180 over it sothat water supply tank 148 does not inadvertently fall out ofcompartment 94 h when door 68 is opened. Closure panel 180 may betransparent and may be hingedly attached to side 26. Lower compartment94 j may be further divided into sub compartments if desired, or it maybe left large to hold large heavy objects, such as oxygen bottle 182 orfire extinguishers.

[0063] An electrical storage battery 184 is preferably stored at thebottom of compartment 94 j and supplies D.C. backup power for theapparatus 20. A power supply and converter 186 is installed in one ofthe compartments, such as 94 i, and has electrical wires 188 connectedbetween it and battery 184 and various lights and communication devicesin top 32. Power supply cord 190 also connects to power supply andconverter 186 and extends out from apparatus 20 near base 34 to pluginto 110 volt AC power. AC power is used for the water heater 166 andrefrigeration unit 154 as well as supplying power to the power supplyand converter 186.

[0064] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, top 32 has electrical lights192 for lighting the area around apparatus 20 and a warning light 194,such as a flashing or rotating warning beacon to attract attention. Top32 also has a recessed compartment 196 above side 24 that holds air horn198, which may easily be removed and used as necessary. Electroniccommunication equipment is also preferably locate in top 32. Suchequipment may include a locating device 200 such as a global positioningsatellite (GPS) receiving unit and a communication unit 202, such as forradio, telephone, or computer communication.

[0065] Referring again to FIG. 3, apparatus 20 has numerous compartments94 that may contain an assortment of specialized goods allowing thecontents of apparatus 20 to be customized meet specific needs.

[0066] For example, a disaster area survival/aid unit may contain itemssuch as a string of 12 volt lights, blankets, tents, a stretcher, hardhats, clothes, large trash bags, a garden hose, buckets, picks, shovels,stoves, gas cans, barricade tape, name audit folders, and an emergencybeacon.

[0067] A decontamination unit in may contain items such as a poly tarp,trash bags, hazardous waste bags, cable ties, duct tape, scissors, acidresistant gloves, solvent resistant gloves, glove liners, chemicalboots, hazmat suits, chemical aprons, a garden hose, buckets, scrubbrushes, sponges, a push broom, dust pan, safety goggles, an air pack,and folding chairs or stools.

[0068] A spill response unit may contain items such as, Absorball, acidneutralizer, spill pads/pillows/socks, acid resistant gloves, solventresistant gloves, glove liners, chemical boots, hazmat suits, chemicalaprons, SCBA 5-minute escape packs, “caution” and “do not enter” tape,scissors, yellow cones, an air pack, and folding chairs or stools.

[0069] A respiratory protection unit may contain items such asrespirators, plastic bags, buckets, drain plugs, dust masks, eyeprotection, gas detector, mercury spill kit, acid neutralizer, baseneutralizer, absorbent cloth, plastic sheeting, SCBA five minute escapepacks shovels, spill pads/pillows/socks, sanitary wipes, and trafficcones.

[0070] A medical unit may contain items such as bio hazardous wastebags, towels, various blankets, bleach, blood and fluids cleanup kit,cervical collar, CPR masks, defibrillator, duct tape, emergencyfirst-aid kit, hydrogen peroxide, exam gloves and liners, oxygen bottle,spill pads, splint kit, stretcher, tape, triage tags, SCBA five-minuteescape packs.

[0071] This ability to customize each unit for specific needs, alongwith the incorporation of the other structures, devices and systemsdescribed above give the apparatus 20 the ability to comply withrequirements imposed by both health and safety standards for variousindustrial applications, as well as to provide ready access to all theequipment and supplies needed for specific tasks, in a compact mobileunit.

[0072] The descriptions above and the accompanying drawings should beinterpreted in the illustrative and not the limited sense. While theinvention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodimentor embodiments thereof, it should be understood that there may be otherembodiments which fall within the scope of the invention as defined bythe following claims.

1. A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising: a shell having abase, a top, a plurality of substantially vertical walls between thebase and the top, and a plurality of substantially horizontal wallsconnected to the vertical walls to form a plurality of opencompartments; a plurality of doors hingedly attached to the shell, thedoors being arranged to close the compartments when closed and toprovide access to the compartments when open; a water supply systemincluding at least one water supply tank removably stored in one of thecompartments and apparatus connected to the water supply tank todispense water contained therein; and a waste water collection systemincluding at least one waste water collection tank stored in one of thecompartments and tubing connected to the water collection tank to conveywaste water to it.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the shell ismade of plastic material and the vertical and horizontal walls areintegrally molded as a single apparatus.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein the compartments have removable dividers.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , wherein the doors have window portions.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1 , further comprising a pair of ground-engaging wheels attachedto the shell at the base in spaced parallel arrangement to one side ofthe shell, the pair of wheels allowing the apparatus to be tipped ontothe wheels to facilitate moving it.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 ,wherein the base of the shell includes at least one ground-engagingflange at a side of the base opposite the pair of ground engagingwheels, the flange having an aperture which allows for securing theflange to the ground.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising aspaced pair of ground-engaging casters disposed below the base of theshell and approximately centered under the shell so that the apparatusis slightly elevated above the ground when it is balanced on thecasters, thereby facilitating moving the apparatus along the ground onthe casters.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a liftingprovision at the top of the shell for attaching a lifting device to liftthe apparatus.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the liftingprovision includes a suspension rod extending through the top and thebase, a support member disposed underneath the base and engaging therod, and an eyelet engaging the rod at the top such that when theapparatus is lifted by eyelet, weight of the apparatus is supported bysupport member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein one of thevertical walls has an outer surface with a transparent sheet removablyattached to a portion of it such that printed material can be displayedon the outer surface and the transparent sheet provides a weatherresistant cover for the printed material.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 ,further comprising a substantially flat table portion pivotally attachedto the shell such that the table portion has a stowed position againstthe shell and a deployed position whereat it is pivoted away from theshell to a substantially horizontal position.
 12. The apparatus of claim1 , further comprising a seat portion pivotally attached to the shellsuch that the seat has a stowed position against the shell and adeployed position whereat it is pivoted away from the shell to asubstantially horizontal position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 ,wherein at least one door is removable and has a plurality of handlesattached and positioned such that the door can be used as a stretcher tocarry a sick or injured person.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 , whereinat least one door is removable and has provisions for connecting supportlegs to it so that the door can be used as a table.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 14 , wherein the door includes a movable portion that is deployedto increase area when the door is used as a table.
 16. The apparatus ofclaim 15 , wherein the movable portion is hingedly attached to the door,and the door further includes a plurality of extensible slats that arestored in the door and are partially extended to support the movableportion.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14 , further comprising a pluralityof removable support legs attached to the door when it is removed,thereby supporting the door in a generally horizontal position for useas a table.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an eyewashattached to the shell, the eyewash receiving water from the water supplysystem, dispensing the water, collecting the water dispensed anddirecting it to the waste water collection system.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 18 , wherein the eyewash is pivotable between a stowed positionagainst the shell and a deployed position extending outward from shell.20. The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the eyewash is positioned lowerthan its source of water and water flows to the eyewash by force ofgravity.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a heatingdevice to heat a portion of water contained in the water supply system.22. The apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the water supply system includesa washing supply tank that supplies water for hand washing, and theheating device is installed in the washing supply tank.
 23. Theapparatus of claim 21 wherein the heating device receives water from thewater supply system, heats it to produce heated water at a firsttemperature, then mixes it with unheated water from the water supplysystem to provide heated water at a second temperature lower than thefirst temperature.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the shell hasa first recessed area with a sink for collecting waste water, the sinkbeing in fluid communication with the tubing of the waste watercollection system to convey water collected by the sink into the wastewater system.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the water supplysystem includes a washing supply tank that supplies water for handwashing, the washing supply tank being lower than the sink, and furthercomprising a water dispensing tube located above the sink and a waterpump disposed between the washing supply tank and the water dispensingtube, the water pump being in fluid communication with the washingsupply tank to pump water from it when activated.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25 , wherein the water pump is mounted in the base of the shell.27. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the water supply system includesa drinking water supply tank and a drinking water spigot.
 28. Theapparatus of claim 27 , wherein the drinking water supply tank ispositioned higher than the drinking water spigot so that drinking waterflows to the spigot by force of gravity.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 ,further comprising a refrigeration unit disposed between the drinkingwater supply tank and the drinking water spigot to chill drinking water.30. The apparatus of claim 24 , further comprising a soap dispenser, acup dispenser, an eyeglass cleaner dispenser, and a tissue dispenser allattached to the shell in the recessed area.
 31. The apparatus of claim24 , wherein the shell has a second recessed area disposed below thefirst recessed area, the second recessed area containing a wastecollection container.
 32. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprisingan electrical system including a power supply that can be connected toan external power source, and a storage battery for supplying temporarypower to the electrical system.
 33. The apparatus of claim 32 , whereinthe electrical system includes at least one light for lighting an areaaround the apparatus.
 34. The apparatus of claim 32 , wherein theelectrical system includes a warning light to attract attention.
 35. Theapparatus of claim 32 , further comprising electronic communicationsequipment mounted on the shell and connected to the electrical system.36. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a first aid kitmounted to the shell in one of the compartments.
 37. A mobile safetycompliance apparatus comprising: a shell having a base, a top, aplurality of substantially vertical walls between the base and the top,and a plurality of substantially horizontal walls connected to thevertical walls to form a plurality of open compartments; a plurality ofdoors hingedly attached to the shell, the doors being arranged to closethe compartments when closed and to provide access to the compartmentswhen open; ground-engaging wheels attached to the shell at the base; alifting provision at the top of the shell for attaching a lifting deviceto lift the apparatus; a water supply system including at least onewater supply tank in one of the compartments and apparatus connected tothe water supply tank to dispense water contained therein; a waste watercollection system including at least one waste water collection tank inone of the compartments and tubing connected to the water collectiontank to convey waste water to it; and a sink connected to the shell, thesink being in fluid communication with the tubing of the waste watercollection system to convey water collected by the sink into the wastewater system.
 38. A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising: aplastic shell having a plurality of substantially vertical walls andsubstantially horizontal walls integrally molded to form a plurality ofopen compartments; a plurality of doors hingedly attached to the shell,the doors being arranged to close the compartments when closed and toprovide access to the compartments when open, at least one door beingremovable with provisions for alternative uses; a water supply systemincluding at least one water supply tank removably stored in one of thecompartments and apparatus connected to the water supply tank todispense water contained therein; and a waste water collection systemincluding at least one waste water collection tank stored in one of thecompartments and tubing connected to the water collection tank to conveywaste water to it; and an eyewash attached to the shell, the eyewashreceiving water from the water supply system, dispensing the water,collecting the water dispensed and directing it to the waste watercollection system.
 39. A mobile safety compliance apparatus comprising:a shell having a plurality of open compartments; a plurality of doorshingedly attached to the shell, the doors being arranged to close thecompartments when closed and to provide access to the compartments whenopen; a water supply system connected to the shell and including atleast one water storage tank and apparatus to dispense water containedtherein; a waste water collection system including at least one wastewater collection tank and tubing connected to the waste water collectiontank to convey waste water to it; an eyewash attached to the shell, theeyewash receiving water from the water supply system; a sink connectedto the shell, the sink being in fluid communication with the tubing ofthe waste water collection system to convey water collected by the sinkinto the waste water system; a heating device to heat a portion of waterin the water supply system; and electric lights attached to the shellfor lighting an area around the shell.
 40. A method of supplyingequipment and materials to meet regulatory requirements for safety andhealth, comprising the steps of: producing a mobile apparatus havingcloseable compartments, a self-contained water supply system, and awaste water collection system; and storing equipment and materialsrequired to meet the regulatory requirements on or in the apparatus. 41.The method of claim 40 , further comprising the steps of: putting waterin the water supply system; and heating at least a portion of the waterin the water supply system.